Pradhan unveils ₹375 crore projects in Sambalpur

Bhubaneswar, April 14 : Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday dedicated and laid foundation stones for 78 development projects worth ₹375 crore in his home turf, the Sambalpur parliamentary constituency of Odisha.

As part of his visit, Pradhan attended separate programmes at Kuchinda and Bamra, where he inaugurated 39 projects worth ₹108.33 crore and laid the foundation stones for another 39 projects valued at ₹267.3 crore.

Among the key initiatives, Pradhan laid the foundation stone for a 100-bed sub-district hospital with a specialised trauma care centre at Kuchinda, to be built at an estimated cost of ₹53 crore. The facility is expected to significantly enhance emergency healthcare services in the region.

He also inaugurated two multi-purpose welfare pavilions at Kuchinda Yatra field and Kundaposhi, built at a cost of ₹5.14 crore, and laid the foundation stone for a new office building of the Kuchinda Notified Area Council, estimated at ₹6 crore. A newly constructed community centre was also dedicated to the public to support social events and community activities.

Addressing gatherings at the events, Pradhan said the “double engine government” is committed to ensuring holistic and sustainable development, with a focus on improving connectivity, boosting the rural economy, and enhancing citizen services in Kuchinda sub-division.

He highlighted that the projects would strengthen infrastructure across key sectors including health, education, sanitation, and transportation, leading to improved quality of life for local residents. The launch of sanitation vehicles in Bamra, he added, would contribute to cleaner urban spaces.

Emphasising development in tribal-dominated regions, Pradhan said priority is being given to expanding access to education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to providing piped drinking water to every household and supporting irrigation through the Parvati Giri Irrigation Project.

The Union Minister further announced plans for a railway overbridge and a market underpass in Bamra to improve connectivity and ease congestion. He urged farmers to adopt commercial chilli cultivation to enhance income levels.

Highlighting women empowerment initiatives, Pradhan referred to the ‘Nari Shakti Bandhan Act’ and said schemes like ‘Lakshapati Didi’ are helping women achieve financial independence and social recognition.

Minister for Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Rural Development, Rabi Narayan Naik, was also present at the events.